Wednesday, June 14, 2006
RP envoy to US quits
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday accepted "with much regret" the resignation of Philippine ambassador to the US Albert del Rosario effective July 8.
Arroyo, in a statement, said del Rosario asked to be allowed to go home and resume his life in the private sector after a five-year stint as Philippine ambassador to the US.
"I am profoundly grateful for the dedication, commitment and service of Ambassador Albert del Rosario. He has made lasting contributions to Philippine diplomacy and left an indelible mark on RP-US relations," she said.
She said del Rosario played a key role in nurturing the Philippines' relations with the US. "He leaves government with an exemplary record as a diplomat and public servant. I commend him for his service to the nation and wish him all the best as he returns to his life as a private citizen," she added.
Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said del Rosario helped forge bilateral security and cooperation agreements in the area of defense, counter-terrorism, law enforcement, agricultural cooperation, global cooperation, and promoted "economic diplomacy" by seeking aid in the Mindanao peace process.
Bunye, who is also Presidential spokesman, said del Rosario also played key roles in convincing large investors, such as the California Public Employes Retirement System (Calpers), to stay in the Philippines.
He said del Rosario's replacement might be announced on Wednesday or Thursday but a charges d'affaires will be posted in the US until there is a permanent ambassador.
Bunye also said there is no truth to reports that del Rosario was recalled, adding that "he has an actual letter" which was received by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
He said the resignation "saddened" President Arroyo, who made efforts to convince del Rosario to stay but the outgoing ambassador was bent on leaving.
Bunye also branded as "speculations" reports that Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo wants del Rosario's job or that Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes was being groomed for the post. (JMR/Sunnex)
(June 14, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
